The radial velocity method (artist’s impression)

The radial velocity method to detect exoplanet is based on the detection of variations in the velocity of the central star, due to the changing direction of the gravitational pull from an (unseen) exoplanet as it orbits the star. When the star moves towards us, its spectrum is blueshifted, while it is redshifted when it moves away from us. By regularly looking at the spectrum of a star - and so, measure its velocity - one can see if it moves periodically due to the influence of a companion.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso0722e
Type:Artwork
Release date:25 April 2007
Related releases:eso0722
Size:2374 x 1773 px

About the Object

Name:Radial velocity
Type:Unspecified : Planet
Category:Cosmology
Illustrations

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